For those who have completed a beginners course, have mastered basic tap, and would like to tackle more challenging routines and techniques. If you have any doubt about your state of health or physical ability we recommend that you consult your doctor before enrolling in this course.

Tap Dancing: Intermediate

Course Description

For those who have mastered the basics and are ready to take the next step, this fun and energetic class builds on foundational tap skills with more challenging routines, rhythms, and techniques. 

Step into rhythm and continue your tap journey as you explore the rich variety of tap styles and deepen your connection to music and movement. 

This course is designed to further enhance coordination, strength, and musicality while boosting confidence and providing a creative, stress-relieving outlet.

Ideal for students with prior tap experience, this recreational class explores more intricate combinations inspired by the elegance of Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, as well as the rhythmic complexity of modern jazz tap. 

With a focus on improving technique and expanding your tap vocabulary, you’ll have fun learning routines that celebrate both the artistry and history of this percussive dance form. 

Come ready to challenge yourself, make some noise, and enjoy a rewarding, rhythm-filled experience. 

Please consult your doctor before enrolling if you have any concerns about your health or physical ability.

Course Structure

Throughout the course, students will continue building their tap dancing skills by learning more advanced steps, rhythmic patterns, and choreography each week. 

You'll explore a wider range of tap styles, gradually incorporating faster tempos, syncopation, and complex footwork into your practice. 

Each class provides guided instruction, repetition, and opportunities to refine your technique in a supportive environment. 

As your coordination, timing, and stamina improve, you’ll connect steps into engaging routines that showcase your growth and personal style.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Perform more complex tap steps and rhythms with improved technique and precision
• Recognise and execute intermediate-level combinations from classic and contemporary tap styles
• Strengthen balance, coordination, and overall body control
• Deepen musicality and timing through more intricate rhythmic patterns
• Build confidence in performing longer, more challenging routines
• Express creativity through dynamic movement and personal interpretation
• Continue to enjoy the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of regular tap dance practice.

Course Requirements

Please wear loose, comfortable clothes.

Leather soled shoes are essential or bring your own tap shoes if you have them.

Your Tutor is Valerie Rivers

Valerie began teaching ,jazz ballet,  hip hop and fitness for the WEA in the early 80’s. 

Valerie is a qualified secondary teacher and a qualified dance and fitness instructor. 

Following the huge success of the Tap Brothers in the  80’s Valerie studied to become a tap dance teacher with Gwen Mackey, one of the most renowned dance teachers and Tom Fairlie who is a brilliant teacher and performer. Valerie teaches fitness, jazz ballet and tap at dance studios in the suburbs and has been teaching tap for the WEA for over ten years